Bowling For Ronnie Red Carpet Event

It is hard to imagine that it has been over 8 years since heavy metal lost one of its most prolific and beloved singers of all time, Ronnie James Dio. Here was a man who not only gave the world iconic rock songs (“Stand Up and Shout,” “Holy Diver,” “Heaven & Hell,” “Rainbow in the Dark,” etc.) with his powerful, versatile voice, but also popularized the “metal horns” hand gesture us metalheads love to throw-up at shows. He meant something to us all. He passed away from stomach cancer in 2010, leaving a gap in the heavy metal world. However, his widow, Wendy Dio, continues to spread his legacy not only through his enormous music catalogue, but also by spreading cancer awareness and research through her charity, the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund. Earlier this year, I attended a motorcycle concert event to celebrate his life. In late October, that celebration continued with the Bowl for Ronnie event, a celebrity bowling tournament held at the Pinz Bowling Center in Studio City, Calif.

Showing up at this event was the who’s who of rock stars, with an occasional TV and movie star thrown into the mix. They came not only to celebrate Dio’s life, but show their support to cancer research as well as try to bowl a perfect 300. Some of the people that showed up included Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler, Jack Black, Tool’s Adam Jones, Winery Dogs and blues guitarist Richie Kotzan, Black Star Riders’ Ricky Warwick, Keel guitarist and actor Marc Ferrari (Wayne’s World), singer Sonia Harsley, Ygnwie Malmsteen and Sons of Apollo frontman Jeff Scott Soto, Wendy Dio, Rita Haney (Dimebag Darrell’s widow), bassist Marty O’Brien, Otep, Dio’s Disciples members, and radio personality/host Eddie Trunk to name a few. I had the opportunity to speak to some of them as they entered the bowling alley. I would ask them questions about how Dio impacted their lives both as musicians and as people. Some of the stories I heard about them hanging out with Dio or meeting him were amazing. The question also came up as to how cancer as affected them, whether it was being a survivor or knowing someone who had it. We would also talk about upcoming projects the guests were involved in.

It was a wonderful evening to honor the legacy of Ronnie James Dio. I did not stick around for the bowling tournament for too long because of the long drive ahead of me. From what I gather, everyone had an awesome time trying to knock down some pins. Of all the celebrities that attended, Jack Black was the one that shocked me the most. I did not expect him to be there. He was one funny character who gave me a little scoop on some new Tenacious D activities. All in all, I say covering this event was a SSTTRRIIKKEE for me. To Ronnie James Dio, I salute you. Horns up!!!